10 A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions
Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is a mix of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, the novel follows the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two women whose stories mirror the nation’s struggles.
Through their experiences, Hosseini offers a profound exploration of the oppressive forces of patriarchy and war, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and strength of the Afghan people.
This discussion guide invites you to delve deep into the novel’s complexities, examining its themes, characters, and impact with a critical and compassionate lens.
Let’s embark on this journey together.
A Thousand Splendid Suns Discussion Questions
- The cultural and societal context of Afghanistan heavily influences the experiences of Mariam and Laila throughout the novel. The oppressive patriarchal system and traditional gender roles limit their freedom and agency. Additionally, the expectations placed on women, such as wearing a burqa and adhering to strict codes of conduct, restrict their movement and ability to express themselves. What is your take on the way life in Afghanistan is portrayed in the novel? Also, based on your thoughts, do you think it was justified to portray a home country in such a harsh way by Khaled Hosseini?
- The female characters in the novel face systemic discrimination, violence, and subjugation due to the patriarchal nature of Afghan society. Women are expected to be obedient and submissive to men, and their worth is often measured by their ability to bear children, particularly sons. Mariam and Laila experience physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Rasheed, reflecting the power dynamics influenced by gender roles and expectations.
Discuss the oppression of women by those in power, as stated in the novel. Also, as a woman, have you ever faced such major oppression in your day to day lives?
- Mariam grows up in isolation, lacking opportunities for education and social interaction. Her experiences of rejection and loss lead her to internalize a sense of worthlessness. On the other hand, Laila grows up in a more intellectually stimulating environment and develops a stronger sense of self. Her relationships with Tariq and her parents provide her with the hope and resilience necessary for survival.
What’s your take on the way that in spite of their differences, both characters endure suffering and ultimately find the strength and solidarity to carry on in their respective lives? Also, what do you think are some major life lessons we can learn from both of them?
- Mariam’s inability to conceive a child leads to feelings of inadequacy and a strained relationship with Rasheed. However, her maternal instincts are awakened when she becomes a mother figure to Laila’s daughter, Aziza. Laila, on the other hand, experiences the joys and challenges of motherhood firsthand. The bond between mother and child becomes a source of strength for both Mariam and Laila, as they strive to protect and provide for their children in an oppressive and dangerous environment. Discuss the theme of motherhood based on this particular context.
- The setting of Kabul is significant in the novel, as it reflects the political and social upheavals in Afghanistan. The city undergoes various transformations, from a modernizing and relatively liberal society to one controlled by the Taliban regime. And guess what, in this decade, the Taliban is back to rule this country.
If you have done any kind of research on Afghan culture, do you have anything to share when it comes to 1980s Kabul, 2000s Kabul and 2020s Afghanistan?
- Rasheed represents the embodiment of patriarchal oppression and misogyny in the novel. He views women as property and believes in enforcing strict gender roles. His violent and controlling behavior toward Mariam and Laila perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Rasheed’s character demonstrates how a toxic masculinity rooted in traditional values can perpetuate the suffering of women in Afghan society. Honestly, how much did you hate the character of Rasheed? Also, if a character like this exists in our society, what should be the ideal way to deal with him?
- Mariam’s physical appearance reflects her character and experiences. Her plain features and unshapely eyebrows, as described in the text, highlight her lack of conventional beauty and contribute to her feelings of inadequacy. Over time, Rasheed’s beatings cause her to lose teeth and age prematurely, further deteriorating her appearance. However, as Mariam experiences unconditional love with Laila and Aziza, her inner radiance shines through.
Discuss how Khaled Hosseini portrayed beauty as something that radiates from the inside and not something that is based on physical features.
- Laila challenges the Western stereotype of Afghan women as burqa-clad, disempowered, and devoid of sexual agency. She embodies independence, determination, and resilience in the face of oppressive regimes. Laila refuses to conform to societal expectations, actively standing up for herself and others. Her actions and beliefs demonstrate that Afghan women are multifaceted individuals capable of defying traditional gender roles. Our society needs more women like Laila to build an amazing future. Do you agree?
- The relationships between mothers and daughters in the novel are complex and shape the characters’ development perfectly. Mariam’s relationship with her mother, Nana, is strained but contains elements of love and dependency. Nana’s bitterness and warnings impact Mariam’s worldview, contributing to her sense of self-worth. Laila and Fariba’s relationship is marked by distance and lack of understanding, with Fariba’s grief creating a divide between them. Discuss how these mother-daughter dynamics play a crucial role in the character’s choices and their journeys throughout the story.
- Despite the bleak circumstances they face, Mariam and Laila cling to hope for a brighter future. Their hope is often rooted in their love for their children and their desire to protect them from the harsh realities of their world. Hope becomes a driving force that empower them to make difficult choices and seek a better life, even in the face of immense suffering. Discuss how during difficult times, it is hope itself that helps us survive, as in the above context. Also, do you have any personal stories of how being hopeful saved your day?
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